The backpack

The battery-powered satellite pack that our leatherbacks wear is actually a walkman-sized mini computer encased in fibreglass. The unit is called a platform transmitting terminal (PTT). The turtle wears this "tag" on top of its shell by means of straps, much like a backpack. The backpack, which was designed by California marine turtle biologist Scott Eckert, will fall off the turtle after the tag's batteries have run out.

 
When the turtle surfaces to breathe or to bask in the sun, the PTT emits a signal that allows satellites overhead to pinpoint its location. A company that monitors the satellite-derived locations of PTTs emails researchers a list of when and where the transmitter was located that day.

Tracking Melvin     Tracking Sherman     More on tagging    NSLTWG tags

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